MUMBAI: With the state witnessing an acute drought, the state government has decided to adopt unprecedented measures.
Anticipating that certain parts of Marathwada will go completely dry by March, the state government has drawn up a plan to transport water for drinking in railway wagons. At the state cabinet meeting on Wednesday, chief minister Prithviraj Chavan informed colleagues that initial discussions in this regard had been held with officials from Western Railway and Central Railway. Chavan further informed that the railway officials have agreed to provide three rakes for the purpose. He further said that the arrangement could provide means to transport five lakh litres of water to the drought-prone areas daily.
The total water storage in reservoirs in the Marathwada belt is barely 18%. Big dams like Ujni and Jayakwadi have almost gone dry.
Pressing the contingency plan, the state cabinet decided to provide a contingency grant of Rs 2 crore to collectors in drought-hit districts for emergency operations.
CM Prithviraj Chavan said the schemes have now been reserved for drinking water. The state has issued instructions asking authorities to prioritize completion of incomplete water supply schemes in drought-hit areas. Chavan has also issued directives asking officials to ensure that alternative means of employment are made available in the affected areas. The kharif crop production has been hit.
Maharashtra plans water trains for drought areas
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Maharashtra plans water trains for drought areas
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Maharashtra plans water trains for drought areas
